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TPU employees inspire future utility leaders

Each summer, Tacoma Public Utilities partners with three Tacoma-based Boys & Girls Clubs to offer TPU Academy, a six-week program for students in grades 3 through 5.

TPU employees lead hands-on activities that introduce students to power, water, and rail services while showing how utilities support our community every day.

We’re proud to inspire young people, build community connections, and introduce future career opportunities in public utilities.

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Catch water leaks early with leak notifications

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Even a small leak can waste water and increase your utility bill.

Tacoma Water’s leak notification can help identify unusual water use before a small problem becomes a costly repair. Log in to MyAccount and sign up to receive an email or text message if your water use suggests a leak or burst pipe.

These notifications give you an early warning so you can investigate the problem before it gets worse. You can also review your water use history in MyAccount to help determine when the issue may have started.

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Learn about the proposed 2027-2028 budget

This fall, Tacoma Public Utilities will present our proposed 2027–2028 budget to the Public Utility Board and the Tacoma City Council. The proposal includes rate adjustments for Tacoma Power and Tacoma Water. The City Council will also review proposed rates for Environmental Services, including wastewater, solid waste and stormwater services.

How you can stay informed:

Attend public meetings or outreach events, including the Public Utility Board hearing on Oct. 14. View a full calendar of budget and rates-related meetings on our website.
Read the full rate proposals online.
Watch recorded presentations.
Share your questions or comments through our online form.

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Celebrating National Hydropower Day

Aerial view of Mayfield Dam on the Cowlitz River.

Tacoma Power's hydroelectric projects do more than generate clean, renewable electricity. They can quickly respond to changing energy demand, helping provide the reliable service our customers depend on every day.

That's one reason we celebrate National Hydropower Day on Aug. 24.

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Power Move #36: Helping your home chill without breaking a sweat

Insulation helps keep cool air inside during the summer and warm air inside during the winter. That means your heating and cooling system doesn’t have to work as hard, helping you save energy and improve comfort.

Tacoma Power offers zero-interest loans to help eligible customers upgrade insulation. You may also qualify for offers on heat pumps, windows, water heaters, and other energy-efficient home improvements.

Now that’s a power move.

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Stay safe near railroad tracks and crossings

This September, Tacoma Rail is joining Operation Lifesaver to remind everyone to stay alert near railroad tracks and crossings.

Help prevent injuries by following these safety tips:

Expect a train at any time and from either direction.

Stay off railroad tracks. Walking on or beside them is dangerous and illegal.

Cross only at designated railroad crossings, and obey signs, lights, and gates.

Stay at least 15 feet from the tracks. Trains can extend beyond the rails.

Put away your phone and avoid distractions near tracks and crossings.

Safety is central to our work. In 2025, Tacoma Rail received a Jake Award for maintaining an employee injury rate below the industry average for similar railroads.

Help reduce peak electricity demand

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Electricity demand is the amount of power homes and businesses use at any given time. Peak demand happens when many people use electricity at the same time.

Think about driving on I-5 during rush hour. When too many vehicles are on the road at once, traffic slows.

Electricity works the same way. Cooking dinner, doing laundry, heating or cooling your home, and charging an electric vehicle all at the same time can increase demand on the electric system.

You can help reduce peak demand by:

Running the dishwasher later in the evening.

Spacing out washing laundry and operating other large appliances.

Using delay-start settings when available.

Charging your electric vehicle later, when possible.

Use the electricity you need. When you have flexibility, move what can wait.

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Public Utility Board spotlight: Meet Chair Elly Claus-McGahan

Meet Public Utility Board Chair Claus-McGahan. Appointed to the Board in 2022 and elected chair in July 2026, she brings decades of experience in mathematics, sustainability and community leadership. She is committed to advancing TPU’s strategic plan, supporting affordability and sustainability, and strengthening connections with the communities we serve.

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U* Trivia - Answer and Win

This issue’s question. Read closely for your chance to win.

Be one of 50 randomly chosen people with the correct answer, and we will mail you a prize.

To enter, submit your answer no later than July 31 by clicking the button or by mail to:

U* Trivia
3628 S. 35th St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

For mail-in entries, include your name, phone number, and mailing address.

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"How can you help reduce peak electricity demand? A) Running the dishwasher later in the evening. B) Spacing out washing laundry and operating other large appliances. C) Using delay-start settings when available. D) Charging your electric vehicle later, when possible. E) All of the above."

City of Tacoma employees and their immediate family members are ineligible to win. One entry per household.